Theresa’s mood seemed to pick up a bit. “Perhaps you’re right. I never thought about it that way. It would certainly explain a lot about his moodiness. I read somewhere that if you marry a clergyman, lawyer, or doctor, that you should be prepared to have your spouse keep secrets from you. They are to be respected for that and not held up as suspect. I guess I’m just going to have to get used to it.” She reached across the table and squeezed Maggie’s hand. “Thank you for the advice. I don’t know what I would have done if we hadn’t had this discussion. I was harboring such fearful thoughts.”
“Well, what’s a future sister in-law for, if not to give advice? I think you’re wise to put that stuff out of your head and concentrate on that important day coming up. All I know is that I’m looking forward to the two of you getting married and living happily ever after. Everything I’ve seen so far tells me that you and Richard will be very happy together.” She switched her eyes to the dessert menu. “Now, let’s bring some cheerfulness back to our lunch. Earlier I saw a decadent dessert on the menu that I just have to try. If it’s anywhere near as delicious as it looks, it will really top off this meal.”
“Maggie, you sure know how to cheer a girl up. I’ll join you with whatever you pick. Thanks for listening; you’re the only person I could think of to talk to about this.”
“I want you to always feel free to use me a sounding board. Don’t hesitate to call if you have something on your mind. Promise?”
“I do. You know, I think you and I are going to be close friends.”
“I believe that we are.”
Chapter 35
John and Marilyn sat back against the satin pillows, each holding a glass of champagne.
“That was incredible. It’s hard believe that our sex together just keeps getting better.”
John just smiled. “Here, have another one of these chocolate covered strawberries,” he said as he put the berry up to her lips. She bit off a large piece and he put the rest in his mouth.
“For some reason chocolate tastes sweeter when we’re together like this.”
“Sweets for the sweet. They do say that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Here, have another.” He dipped the berry into the whipped cream and fed it to her. He followed the same sequence until the bowl was empty. “It looks as if that is the end of the strawberries.”
“Well, I’m glad, in a way. There must be a lot of calories in those treats. Whoever it was that said that sex was good for weight loss, didn’t know about the creative mind of Dr. John Hazleton. Maybe when we’re together, we should cut down a bit on the food and make love a few more times. What could be the harm of it?”
“My god, Lynn, what are you trying to do, kill me?”
“What’s that I hear? Is my big studly bear saying he can’t keep up with me? Has he finally met his match?”
“I’ll show you who can’t keep up,” he answered as he tossed his robe on the floor and mounted her once more.
They made love again and again, well into the middle of the afternoon, John more than proving his virility.
Later, as she was gathering up her coat, hat, and handbag, he asked, “How come you didn’t wear your Mata Hari outfit today?”
“Well, I finally felt comfortable coming here. There was no longer any need for me to wear a disguise, especially since I always shop for something to take home in case Ron asks about my shopping day, and that outfit always made me feel conspicuous in the stores.”
He gathered him into his arms. “I love that you feel comfortable coming here. These are such happy times for me.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“Oh, by the way, thanks for smoothing things over with Ron. He’s got enough on his plate with that break-in. What a terrible thing that was. Have they caught anybody yet?”
“I think they found some of our stuff at a pawn shop, but besides that I haven’t heard a word. Getting back to Ron, I’m glad too that we got past our misunderstandings. We all need to work together now more than ever.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll see you next week at your office. I don’t know how I’ll get through not coming here for a week. I’ve got to go now; my cab is probably waiting outside.”
“How come you took a cab?”
“My car is having a problem with one of the warning lights. I figured this was a good day to take it in to the dealer, so I would have an excuse to spend more time here with you.”
He kissed her. “You’re always so thoughtful.”
***
Marilyn didn’t see the man sitting in a car across the street taking pictures of her as she got into the cab. Of course, she wasn’t supposed to. His car was slightly up the block with the driver’s window open. As the cab drove by him, he slid down in the seat. After she was a block away, he started his car, did a u-turn, and followed at a discreet distance.
***
When the cab dropped her at the east entrance to a local department store, he waited at the end of a row of cars with his engine idling. Unfortunately, he didn’t observe her getting into a courtesy van from the town’s only Mercedes dealership. After shopping for a pair of slippers, she called the shop and arranged to be picked up at the store’s west entrance.
Chapter 36
“I’ll meet you at the usual place at noon.”
In this case, the usual place was The Diner on Main and the attendees were Dr. Ron Symington and PI Robert Rousch.
“You said you have some more pictures for me.”
He slid an envelope across the table. “Delivered as promised. We got lucky this time. I finally have a face to attach to that fabulous body. Unfortunately she arrived and left the apartment by cab, so my operative wasn’t able to trace her license tag or follow her to her house. He lost her in a shopping mall. She’s a funny one. It’s almost as if she knows she’s being watched.”
Ron left the envelope unopened on the table. “Maybe that’s just as well. I probably should have called this investigation off a week ago. The doctor and I have reconciled our differences and doing this doesn’t feel right any longer; nosing about in his personal life. I wouldn’t want that happening to me.”
“Well, sir, if that’s what you want, that’s okay with me.”
“I think it’s for the best. Just send your bill by courier to me at the office. I’ll pay it in cash if that’s agreeable with you.”
“That’s always fine with me, Doctor.”
A waitress approached the booth. “Good afternoon, I’m Tess. I’ll be your waitress today. Will you gentlemen be ordering lunch?”
Ron turned to Rousch. “While we’re here we might as well have lunch. It’s on me.” Turning to Tess, he said, “I hear that you serve a crab crusted grouper. That’s what I’m going to have.”
“That’s a great choice, sir. It comes with spinach and a baked potato. Will you be having an appetizer or salad?”
Ron glanced at Rousch before he answered. “I don’t think so.”
Tess turned her attention to Rousch.
“I’ll have whatever he’s having.”
Ron asked, “Will you join me with a brew, then?”
“Sure, whatever they have on tap will be fine.”
“We’ll both have a beer. Put that all on my tab, please.”
“Sure thing, I’ll get your beers right away.”
Ron picked up the envelope and slid it into his inside jacket pocket. “I’ll hold these for a while. I hope I’ll never have a need to use them.”
Chapter 37
After the spasm of trembling had subsided she took in several deep breaths to quiet herself down. She felt much better now, even somewhat exhilarated. For many people, crying is an effective catharsis in times of emotional turmoil. It certainly was in this case.
Jason put his arm around her. “Are you certain that you’re pregnant?”
“Very certain. I used three different tests. There’s no doubt about it.” She looked up at him and asked, “What are we going to do?”
He fumbled f
or what would be the right thing to say, settling on, “How far along are you?”
“That’s an odd thing to ask. How long has it been since our last trip?”
“Oh, yes, I understand.” He hesitated a bit. “I guess what I meant was, are you sure it happened the second time and not the first? I mean, we made love both times and I’m pretty sure we didn’t use any protection either time.”
“Trust me, a woman knows this sort of thing. There were three weeks between our trips. Anyway, what the hell difference does it make when it happened? It happened and we’re going to have to deal with it.”
“Are you talking about getting rid of it?”
“Of course I’m talking about an abortion. You got a better alternative in mind, genius? Are you going to marry me and make me an honest woman? Are you ready to give this child your name? Are you ready to settle down with a house in the suburbs, picket fence, and all?”
He was unresponsive at first but after a few minutes of thinking the situation over, he offered, “No, of course not. Sure, I’d love to have all those things and I’d love to be married to you and raise a family, but of course the timing is all wrong. An abortion looks like the best thing to do.”
Maggie looked at the expression on his face. She changed the inflection in her voice, adding, “You’re not ready to take on any responsibility for this, are you? You did your part weeks ago. Right? Now you just have to wash your hands of the whole situation.”
“You don’t have to get sarcastic. I said nothing of the kind. I’m not trying to shirk from my responsibilities, but we both know that any course of action besides an abortion is out of the question.”
Maggie wasn’t through with him yet. “I don’t mean to be crude, but what I’m hearing from you is that I’m not suitable for you to marry but it’s okay for me to be your fuck-buddy?”
Frustrated, Jason tried to calm her down. He reached for her hand and surprisingly, she made no effort to resist. “Mag, you know that I care deeply about you. We’re in this together and I promise you that I’ll be at your side whatever you decide to do.”
Maggie’s demeanor softened. “I’m sorry, Jason. I didn’t mean to suggest that you wouldn’t be. I guess I’m just scared. I’ve seen so many young women in this position; I’ve even counseled a few. I never thought that I would become one of them and yet here I am. Please forgive my outburst and any of the many that will probably come in the future. I will, no doubt, fall back on the traditional excuse and blame the hormones.”
Jason held her more closely. “What are you going to do?”
“You must know somebody that can help with this.”
“Well, sure. I guess I do. Let me speak to a few people I know. In the meantime I don’t want you to worry. This happens every day.”
Defensively, she answered, “Yes, but not to me. I don’t find that kind of logic to be very consoling.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make light of the situation. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through.”
“No, you can’t, and I’m glad you realize that. You have to promise me one thing. Wallington is a small town and lots of people know me. I need you to promise that you won’t tell anyone about this—not even your closest buddies. However you manage to take care of this, you have to keep my name out of it.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. I understand completely. You have my word that I won’t discuss this with anyone except my contacts and I will use the name Ms. Otis.”
She let out a small laugh. “You mean, like in Miss Otis Regrets?”
“I don’t get it.”
“There’s an old Cole Porter song called Miss Otis Regrets. I just thought it was funny under the circumstances.”
He smiled. “I guess it is. Actually I was thinking about Otis Elevators.”
She laughed. “Well, either way we’ll be dealing with my ups and downs.”
Jason pulled her close again. “I’m glad you can laugh about it. I know that it’s no joking matter, but I need you to stay upbeat until this is over. We talked very seriously a few weeks back about building a love relationship together. I still want to do that, and yes, I will want the house and the picket fence and children, but as you said, this is not the right time for us.”
“I’m glad to hear you haven’t changed your mind about us because of this predicament. I do truly love you, Jason, and having you with me makes this ordeal a lot more bearable.”
“I love you, Maggie. I’m here for you now and I will be forever. You have my word on it. I’m pretty sure I can set things up at a clinic where no one will know you. Don’t worry about what it will cost. I have some markers out with people and I think that it’s time to call them in.”
Chapter 38
The table was set up on the sun porch with a buffet lunch of several loaves of bread, plates of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, and condiments. Melon balls, watermelon, and pineapple were cut into decorative designs with a sprinkling of blueberries and set into a chilled serving platter. Marilyn picked up the pitcher of sweet iced tea and poured two glasses, handing one to Theresa.
“Adding this porch was one of the best investments we’ve ever made. It’s insulated and heated so we can use it year-round. Isn’t this much cozier than a crowded, noisy restaurant?”
“Yes, it is. Thanks for inviting me. Everything looks so delicious.” She made a ham and cheese sandwich, added some mustard, and placed a pickle and some fruit on the plate. She chose an overstuffed chair to settle down in.
“Well, when you mentioned lunch, I figured we better get it done before you and Richard get married. I’m sure you have a lot of questions about our family; possibly some things that Richard doesn’t even know, or maybe doesn’t want to talk about. We don’t have any deep dark secrets; no crazy uncles that we don’t talk about or anything like that. Of course that doesn’t mean that we’re not interesting—just that we’re not surreptitious.”
“Well thank god for that,” Theresa said with a broad smile, “I was afraid that you had an eccentric cousin living under the staircase or a loony hidden in the attic and that you would tell me that it runs in the family; on the male side.”
Marilyn laughed. “No, nothing that I can think of—although I did have a great aunt that was once accused by the townsfolk of being a witch. I don’t think there’s much to worry about, in that regard.”
“Thank goodness.”
“Tell me—how was your lunch with Maggie? I haven’t had a chance to talk to her since the two of you met.”
“It was delightful. She’s such a pleasant person.”
“I’m so glad. So, how far along are you and Richard with your wedding plans?”
“We’re planning on a church wedding, but nothing too large. My parents said they would come in from Faribault, and aside for some friends from school and fellow workers, that’s the list on my side. I’d say about eighteen to twenty guests at the most. A few of them from the hospital will overlap with Richard’s list.”
“I think you can figure on another twenty or twenty-five from Richard’s friends, our family, and a few neighbors. Is that small enough for you?”
“Yes, I think that would be just right. Anything around fifty will work best for us. We plan on a simple reception, probably at a nice restaurant here in town or in the ballroom at Wallington House if it’s available. You know about our honeymoon plans in Greece?”
“Yes, that sounds so romantic. As for the reception, I would advise you to choose a date as soon as possible if you want to reserve the ballroom. Wallington House gets very busy certain times of the year. Wilson works there, so maybe he can put in a good word for you.”
“That might help. They do beautiful decorations for weddings.”
“Either you or Richard should give Wil a call. He can find out what days they have available.”
“That’s a good idea, Mrs. Symington. I’ll do that tomorrow.”
“Oh, and that’s another thing we need to change righ
t now; this ‘Mrs. Symington’ business. I want you to call me Marilyn or Lynn from now on.”
“Okay, I’ll do that, Marilyn. I may slip every once in a while, so be patient with me.”
“I will, dear. You mentioned a church wedding before. What denomination are you?”
“Actually, I’m none. My parents are both strict Presbyterians, but I strayed from that as soon as I left home. Since then I haven’t set foot in a church except for the weddings of a few friends. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not an atheist or anything like that. I believe in God and that’s about it. Since all those religions out there can’t all be the one true faith, I choose the one belief that most of them don’t refute, and that is the belief that the Universe was created by some super power usually called God. What is expected from us after that, I believe is in the hearts and minds of each of us, individually, and is not for anyone or any group to tell us how to think, what to believe, or how to behave. That’s where I stand on religion. How about your family?”
“That’s a good question. It’s sort of complicated. Ron was raised as a Methodist. I was brought up as a Catholic. When we fell in love and got married we had the ceremony in a non-denominational community church. Both sides of the family were pissed, but we were determined, like you, to do our own thinking. We did agree to one thing, however, and that was that it would be best for our children if they attended a Catholic school. They have all been baptized as Catholics. Even in a town like Wallington, which has highly rated public schools, we figured that the education and discipline of the Catholic grade and high schools would be the best we could provide for our children. In retrospect, I believe we made a good choice.”
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